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Fert Prac Strawberries
Fert Prac Strawberries
SUGGESTED FERTILIZER PRACTICES FOR STRAWBERRIES
By Dawn Pettinelli, Assistant Extension Educator
Strawberries are a choice fruit crop for many SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR BEFORE
home gardeners. The low‐growing plants are PLANTING
reliable and quick to produce. Strawberries Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil with
should be planted in full sun for a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.3. If it is
maximum yield. June bearers provide a necessary to adjust the soil pH, apply the
delicious supply of fruit from late spring amount of ground limestone recommended
through early summer, while day‐neutral on the soil test report. Generally, it is
types produce berries throughout the advisable to use a dolomitic limestone that
summer. contains both calcium and magnesium, especially if
the soil has below optimum magnesium levels. If
The strawberry is a shallow‐rooted perennial. soil test magnesium levels are above optimum, a
Often, more than 75 percent of its root system can calcitic limestone can be substituted. Build up the
be found in the top 6 inches of soil. Because of this, organic matter levels by additions of peat moss,
strawberries are quite sensitive to both excess compost, well‐rotted manure
water and drought or other available materials.
conditions. They grow
best when planted on
fertile, well‐drained soils
SIX MONTHS TO ONE
that contain at least 6 YEAR BEFORE
percent organic matter. PLANTING
Organic matter should be Strawberries prefer a slightly
incorporated into sandy acidic soil with a pH ranging
soils to increase moisture from 6.0 to 6.3. If it is
retention. necessary to adjust the soil
pH, apply the amount of
Sites that stay wet may ground limestone
not be suitable for recommended on the soil test
strawberries unless raised report. Generally, it is
beds are constructed. advisable to use a dolomitic
Water saturated soils limestone that contains both
prevent necessary oxygen calcium and magnesium,
from entering the root zone, and roots may die. especially if the soil has below optimum
Diseases, especially red stele, are more likely to magnesium levels. If soil test magnesium levels are
occur under these conditions, as well. Avoid above optimum, a calcitic limestone can be
growing strawberries where tomatoes, potatoes, substituted. Build up the organic matter levels by
peppers, eggplant, raspberries or strawberries additions of peat moss, compost, well‐rotted
were recently grown. The insect manure or other available materials.
and/or disease problems carried If soil test results for potassium are
over may cause substantial damage below optimum, apply potassium
to strawberry plantings. chloride (0‐0‐60) or potassium
Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory; 6 Sherman Place, Unit 5102, Storrs, CT 06269-5102 • Phone: 860-486-4274
Fax: 860-486-4562 Location: Union Cottage, Depot Campus, M ansfield
sulfate (0‐0‐43) at a rate of 3/4 lbs. (1 1/2 cups), or and remove weeds. Then, apply 1 to 2 lbs. of 10‐10‐
greensand (0‐0‐7) at a rate of 10 lbs. (14 cups), per 10 (or equivalent) per 100 square feet. It is
100 square feet. If soil test results for phosphorus important that plants receive at least 1 inch of
are below optimum, apply superphosphate (0‐20‐ water per week following fertilization to encourage
0) at the rate of 1 1/4 lbs. (2 1/2 cups), triple strong, healthy new growth and to avoid salt injury.
superphosphate (0‐46‐0) at the rate of 1/2 lbs. (1 In years of adequate moisture, either from natural
cup), or bonemeal (1‐11‐0) at the rate of 2 lbs. (6 rainfall or supplemental irrigation, fertilize
cups) per 100 square feet. Incorporate all strawberry beds again in late August with 1/2 lbs.
necessary amendments thoroughly to a depth of 6 10‐10‐10 (or equivalent) per 100 square feet.Do
to 8 inches. Retest the soil before planting. not fertilize after August 31st. This postharvest
fertilization is repeated each year after harvest and
Boron is one of the most commonly deficient renovation. Proper cultural practices should keep
micronutrients in strawberry plantings. If boron June‐bearing strawberries productive for at least 3
was not added to the soil in the past 3 to 4 years, an to 5 years.
application of borax (10‐12 % boron) may be
beneficial. Mix 3/4 of an ounce of borax into a
gallon of water. Shake well, and distribute over 100 FERTILIZERS FOR DAY‐NEUTRAL
square feet of the area designated for the STRAWBERRIES
strawberry bed. Do not overapply because excess Day‐neutral strawberry varieties can produce fruit
boron can cause plant injury. Soils regularly throughout the summer so they require a steady
amended with compost or natural organic supply of nutrients for optimum growth and
fertilizers generally contain sufficient boron for development. Apply one pound 10‐10‐ 10 (or
strawberries. equivalent) per 100 square feet in mid‐June, mid‐
July and again in late August.
YEAR OF PLANTING
The information in this material is for educational purposes. The
About two weeks before planting, incorporate 2 lbs. recommendations contained are based on the best available
of 5‐10‐10 (or equivalent) for each 100 square feet knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial
of planting bed. Six to eight weeks after the first products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no
endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension
fertilizer application, apply one pound of 5‐10‐10 System does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product
(or equivalent) per 100 square feet; spread the referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others
fertilizer in a 6‐inch band on each side of a row of which also may be available. All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are
registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and
strawberry plants. Repeat this rate again in late Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If
August. Brush or wash off any fertilizer granules the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label
that land on the foliage to avoid leaf injury. instructions. The label is the law.
WARNING! Agrochemical/pesticides are dangerous. Read and
FRUITINGYEAR follow all directions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle
and store agrochemical/ pesticides in originally labeled containers out
Avoid the use of nitrogen fertilizer the spring of reach of children, pets and livestock. Dispose of empty containers
before harvest as it may result in large, soft berries; immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.
excessive vegetative growth; and increased The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or
susceptibility of plants and fruits to diseases. property damage.
However, if plants are a light shade of green and
are not growing well, an application of 1/2 lb of 5‐ Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30,
10‐10 (or equivalent) per 100 square feet may be 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Gregory J.
Weidemann, Director, Cooperative Extension System, University of Connecticut,
beneficial. June‐bearing strawberry plantings are Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System is an equal opportunity
employer and program provider. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA,
renovated after harvest. Cut back leaves, thin plants Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, Stop Code 9410,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-
5964